Mavericks Injury Updates: Luka Dončić’s Status for Jazz Matchup Uncertain as Klay Thompson Remains Out
Luka Dončić (wrist) is doubtful and Klay Thompson (foot) is out for Mavericks vs. Jazz. Jason Kidd discusses their progress and team adjustments.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are set to begin a road back-to-back against the Utah Jazz on Saturday before facing the Portland Trail Blazers. Luka Dončić’s and Klay Thompson’s injury statuses remain a focus before facing Utah.
Dončić, listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game, participated in practice Friday as he works his way back from a right wrist sprain. He did 5-on-5 with the reserves during the return to competition process. After not traveling with the team on their recent three-game road trip, Dončić went through a pre-game workout before Wednesday’s 129-114 victory over the New York Knicks with his wrist taped. Thompson has been ruled out for a third straight game when dealing with left foot plantar fascia.
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Head coach Jason Kidd expressed optimism about Dončić’s progress following Friday’s practice. “It was a good practice,” Kidd said. “We’re excited to hopefully have him back here soon, shortly.”
Dončić has missed the last four games after suffering the injury during a win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Nov. 14. While he played through the discomfort, an MRI later confirmed a sprain, leading to the team’s cautious approach to his recovery. Kidd acknowledged that reintroducing Dončić requires adjustments for the team and the star guard.
“I think it goes both ways—I think [the team] adjusting to him, but also he’s gotta adjust with the pieces, the new pieces that he has,” Kidd said. “Having Klay, understanding what P.J.’s doing right now, and then Marshall, there are gonna be certain lineups where he’s with different guys. He just has to understand how to move with those pieces, and he’ll be fine with that.”
Klay Thompson Remains Out
Thompson, who has been sidelined with a left foot issue, did not participate in full practice on Friday. Kidd said the injury is not believed to be lingering. He did get some shots up after the team was done practicing.
“Not that I know of. This is the first that his foot has been bothering him,” Kidd said. When asked if Thompson is feeling better, Kidd replied, “Yeah, it looks good.”
The Mavericks’ injury situation has shifted since their win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Quentin Grimes and Dereck Lively II were dealing with illnesses earlier in the week. They were cleared to play against New York and remain available heading into Saturday’s game, as they are no longer on the injury report.
Meanwhile, Daniel Gafford (illness) has returned to practice after missing Wednesday’s game. Danté Exum, however, continues to recover from right wrist surgery and remains out.
Thompson’s absence, combined with Dončić’s, has opened up more opportunities for Dallas’ depth players to contribute, a necessity during this stretch. Dončić went through a workout on the game court before Wednesday’s game and participated in 5-on-5 and practice overall on Friday.
Dinwiddie on Team Adjustments Without Luka
Despite the challenges of playing without Dončić, the Mavericks have gone 4-1 in his absence, emphasizing a next-man-up mentality. Spencer Dinwiddie pointed to the group’s collective effort as the reason for their success.
“As a group in general, whether it’s Luka or not, we have a next-man-up mentality. That’s what J-Kidd preaches,” Dinwiddie said. “It’s just kind of by committee and just trying to pick up the intensity in all facets—cut harder, run harder, box out more. You just have to whenever you’re missing an MVP-caliber player.”
Dinwiddie also stressed the importance of communication and role clarity, both in Dončić’s absence and once he returns.
“It’s about fitting around the MVP,” Dinwiddie said. “Luka’s gonna be committed to doing his job at the highest level he can, and then the trickle-down effect to Kyrie and Klay, and then everybody just [saying], okay, here’s my box, so to speak—I’m gonna be the best at said box. It’ll all fall into place.”
Looking Ahead
With Dončić doubtful and Thompson ruled out, the Mavericks face a tough task on Saturday against the Jazz. Their previous trip to Utah earlier this season ended in a one-possession loss, but Kidd downplayed the idea of seeking revenge.
“There’s no payback. There’s just, we gotta find a way to win on the road,” Kidd said. “Last time we were there, it came down to one possession. And so, in that same situation, we gotta find a way to win.”
Dallas enters the road trip with an 11-8 record, bolstered by contributions from players like Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington. The Mavericks will look to continue their strong play until Dončić and Thompson return to the lineup.
“It’s just about everyone knowing their role, being confident, and contributing,” Kidd said. “That’s what makes us dangerous.”
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